McKendree University Congratulates 2018 MLK Awardees
Shaneise Tally, Jennifer Miller, Hannah Howell Receive Honors
(LEBANON, Ill., January 18, 2018) — A special education major, an assistant dean and
the director of a local youth organization received McKendree University’s 2018 Martin
Luther King, Jr., Humanitarian Awards at a celebration held on Jan. 18. The annual
awards celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Reverend Dr. King. This year’s recipients
have demonstrated care and compassion, understanding and tolerance, humanitarian principles
and ideals, and participation in service programs.
Shaneise Tally, a sophomore from Cahokia, Ill., has been a community coordinator with the residence
life staff; a member of McCAT (McKendree Community Action Team), United Feminists,
and the Social Justice and Equity Committee; Black Student Organization treasurer;
Change Ambassador, Teacher for Change, and past winner of “The Spark” Award. She has
been active at Power of Change Christian Church in Cahokia. She has demonstrated a
desire to support those who are often marginalized, correct injustices, focus on inclusiveness
and diversity, and make her campus and community better.
“Shaneise uses her voice as a leader to create positive change and to educate others,”
said Shaquille Armstrong, a McKendree senior and a past MLK Humanitarian Award winner.
“I have no doubt she will be the change in the world we all want to see.”
Jennifer Miller, of Highland, Ill., is the assistant dean for student success, coordinator of University
101, and a constant source of support for student opportunities on campus. The 2004
McKendree graduate, who earned a master’s degree in education in 2007, she has always
felt strongly about her campus community. Much of the work she does is behind the
scenes, providing clothing and food to students in need or lending an ear to those
needing someone to listen and care. She created a diversity curriculum for University
101 instructors and helped create a support system for students with disabilities.
“Jenny understands that in order to change a system, you must change as an individual,”
said Shruti Desai, assistant vice president for student affairs.
Hannah Howell, of Lebanon, Ill., is president of Lebanon Kids, Inc., an after school program, and
served previously as its former program and summer camp director. She works tirelessly
on behalf of local children by creating activities, raising funds and getting the
community to support Lebanon Kids programs. She was an AmeriCorps as a volunteer coordinator
for the Franklin Neighborhood Association in Belleville and a Vista worker with the
Center for Community Service on campus. In addition, she participated in an enrichment
program for children in East St. Louis through an Illinois Campus Compact program
at the university. The 2013 McKendree graduate earned a master’s degree in public
administration and policy analysis from SIU Edwardsville.
“Hannah personifies all this award stands for,” said Conrad Steinhoff, a Lebanon Kids
board member. “She is concerned about the relationship of love and care for these
kids.”
Guest speaker for the event was Tom Cummins, a volunteer chaplain with the Missouri
Department of Corrections at two maximum-security prisons.
-McK-
